What can be done to reduce the damaging effects of racial and ethnic stereotypes?
On a personal level, do not perpetuate them and, if you believe them, challenge them. Also educate others who believe the stereotypes. On a broader scale, education is the way. Legislation stops SOME discrimination while creating OTHER discrimination. Education is the way. For those of us discriminated against, do not act out in anger. Act out in logic via education and ignore if needed, suck it up and go on to the next job interview, and more… and do not hate back. Do not reinforce the stereotypes or contribute to new ones with angry action. Unfortunately, the damaging effects of stereotypes hurt those of us affected but not letting yourself fall to hate shall minimize it. Legislation, as it is done now, is not the best. It COULD be done better and it COULD work.
I agree that education is the key to stop these stereotypes grow and making people understand real lives matter. Racism is a sensitive subject nowadays, and I am still shocked that some nationalities didn’t get to the point where they accept all this and slay racism. But, I agree with karim jivraj stance that only a robust national identity can unite citizens of different ethnic and religious backgrounds. It’s great that we have people with such strong and brave positions nowadays. Their policies are needed to be followed.
